Day 10

Last night in Wolcott I met two other bicycle tourists  who were staying at the hotel.  Both were Canadians; one was circumnavigating Lake Ontario, and the other was returning to Toronto after a  loop in the states.   We discussed our travels and  hockey (of course!).    I had hoped to see them this morning, but by the time  I got downstairs at 6:00 AM they had already hit the road.

After leaving the hotel, I got some gas station coffee and a pastry, and headed out.   I hadn’t even warmed up and I was already into my first climb.   I quickly realized that I was riding into a major topography change as I headed into the Adirondacks.   That was the first of many climbs that went on all day.  It was a beautiful morning that I was thankful for, but I toiled hard on the bike all day, climb after climb.   My thighs were burning!

I finally made it to Osceola and arrived at the (world famous) Osceola Hotel, where I had hoped to get a room.   It is no longer a functioning hotel, just a bar.  There were still rooms upstairs, the owner said, which are used mostly for storage.   He said there was a room that I could stay in, said it was nothing special, and insisted it would be for free.  It was another  cyclists stay for free situation.  It was perfectly fine, especially after a long day on the bike.    I met two other cyclists who were staying there as well.   For the day I rode 78 grueling miles

                        It doesn't look that hilly, but I took this photo at the top after a steep climb!

The hills and the sunny temperatures made for a very warm day.  Here I am peeling off  my jacket and leg-warmers.

I hadn't planned on stopping here for the night, but it was late in the day and I was ready to get off the bike.   The owner  offers cyclists rooms (if available) at no charge.